New series 3 - 2 issues, petrol consumption and box section under body

Hi,
Advised to repost from my intro post.

I have a series 3 station wagon. Having lots of fun with it trying to get it into a good shape. 2 things for immediate concern

1) It seems to drink unreal amounts of petrol (2 1/4 petrol engine).
2) Just in front of the rear wheels there is a box section running across the car (not chassis but part of body). The box section is rusted away to nothing and only connect to the chassis now on one side. It has a relatively recent MOT so must have been passed but is it an issue?

All input welcome. No pig jokes lol!

S

Hi.

These guys do various repair sections.

Whats you fuel consumption in miles per gallon, or miles to a tank?

By box section do you mean the steel reinforcements that go across under the rear bed? Those are available as repair sections - you might have to lift the back of the box to replace them but it can be done.

If you mean the aluminium square section that the tabs bolt to right at the rear cross that's going to get entertaining to replace. I've not done it personally - have seen more than one of them patched with material from the back/inside.

Please do give us a figure on the miles/gallon. They're not particularly economical - mine does 15/16 MPG on US gallons (128 ounces) on the motorway - not much better on local roads.

ajr

Anything better than 16mpg is ok, better than 20 good. Is it a long wheel base - if so you might want to subtract a couple of mpg!

adjusting timing and stripping down and setting up your carburettor can make a big difference.

Some pictures of your bodywork would be a help

D

i've not driven my petrol engined one yet (it's still waiting for me to build it) but they're not renowned for economy, my mate drives his 88" like a granny and struggles to keep his above 19mpg

his engine and gearbox are sweet plus he's not long fitted a rebuilt carb and electronic ignition, his tyres aren't exactly aggressive either

Are these the floor supports you mentioned three across rear floor.
Land Rover Defender & Series Underfloor Support Strut - YRM Metal Solutions
Not usually an MOT item.But support the floor.